5 Top Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads Reviewed: Your Guide to Clean & Quiet Stopping Power
Thinking about upgrading your ride’s brakes? You’ve landed in the right spot! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Power Stop Z17 brake pads review, a popular choice for daily drivers looking for a significant upgrade over factory parts without breaking the bank. Power Stop’s Z17 Clean Ride ceramic brake pads are engineered to deliver reliable stopping power, reduce noise, and keep those wheels looking spick and span.
But with several Z17 options out there, how do you pick the best one for your vehicle? Don’t sweat it! We’ve scoured the market and picked out 5 top Power Stop Z17 brake pads to help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down their features, what makes them tick, and what real users are saying, so you can choose with confidence. Let’s hit the brakes and get into it!
Our Top 5 Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads Selections
Here’s a closer look at some of the best Power Stop Z17 brake pads you can get your hands on:
1. Power Stop 17-2220, Z17 Clean Ride Rear Ceramic Brake Pads
If you’re tired of constantly scrubbing brake dust off your rear wheels, the Power Stop 17-2220 Z17 Clean Ride pads are designed just for you. These rear ceramic brake pads focus on delivering excellent stopping performance while keeping dust to an absolute minimum, a common complaint with many OEM pads. They’re built for the everyday driver who values both performance and aesthetics, ensuring your vehicle’s rear end brakes smoothly and quietly, just like new.
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Key Features:
- Low dust formula brake pads designed to maximize stopping power and keep those wheels clean.
- Fade-free braking performance for consistent reliability.
- Chamfered and slotted pads ensure noise-free braking, just like the OE pads.
- Dual active rubber shims provide 6 times more noise reduction.
- Z17 Ceramic brake pad set includes brake grease and premium stainless steel hardware kit for a complete installation.
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Pros:
- Significantly reduces brake dust, keeping wheels cleaner.
- Exceptionally quiet operation due to advanced shims and design.
- Comes with all necessary installation hardware and grease.
- Consistent and reliable stopping power.
- Easy to install for DIY enthusiasts.
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Cons:
- Not designed for heavy-duty towing or track use.
- May require a short break-in period for optimal performance.
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User Impressions: Many users rave about the noticeable reduction in brake dust and the whisper-quiet operation. Drivers frequently mention how easy these pads were to install, thanks to the included hardware, making them a popular choice for a straightforward rear brake upgrade.
2. Power Stop 17-1609, Z17 Front Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
Your front brakes do the lion’s share of the stopping, so it’s crucial to have pads you can trust. The Power Stop 17-1609 Z17 front ceramic brake pads are engineered for that critical role, providing robust stopping power and a clean, quiet experience. With their thermal scorched surfaces, these pads offer a fast break-in period, meaning you get optimal performance sooner. They’re a perfect OEM replacement, promising better-than-original performance without any fuss.
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Key Features:
- Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean.
- The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in.
- Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking.
- Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE performance.
- Include premium hardware kit for easy installation.
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific.
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Pros:
- Excellent stopping power for daily driving.
- Very low dust output keeps front wheels cleaner.
- Quiet operation, minimizing squeaks and squeals.
- Quick break-in period for immediate performance.
- Includes all necessary installation hardware.
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Cons:
- Not suitable for aggressive driving or track days.
- Performance might be too “soft” for those used to metallic pads.
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User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight the smooth, quiet braking and minimal dust. The “vehicle specific” fit is a big plus, ensuring an easy, hassle-free installation for most. Many feel these are a fantastic value for an everyday driving upgrade.
3. Power Stop 17-1731, Z17 Front Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
Another stellar option for your vehicle’s front axle, the Power Stop 17-1731 Z17 front ceramic brake pads deliver on the promise of a clean, quiet, and efficient braking experience. Similar to other Z17 front options, these pads prioritize low dust and noise reduction, making them ideal for the discerning driver who values both performance and convenience. The thermal scorching ensures you’re ready to go with optimal braking performance almost right out of the box.
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Key Features:
- Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean.
- The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in.
- Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking.
- Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE performance.
- Include premium hardware kit for easy installation.
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Pros:
- Excellent for maintaining clean wheels with minimal dust.
- Provides quiet and smooth braking performance.
- Fast break-in period gets you on the road quickly.
- Comes with necessary hardware for a complete job.
- Reliable and consistent stopping power for everyday use.
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Cons:
- May not offer the aggressive bite preferred by some performance drivers.
- Ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchasing.
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User Impressions: Users frequently report a significant improvement in brake feel and quietness after installing these pads. The easy installation, aided by the included hardware, is a recurring positive comment, making them a go-to choice for DIYers.
4. Power Stop 17-1057, Z17 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
When it comes to your rear brakes, the Power Stop 17-1057 Z17 ceramic brake pads offer a fantastic blend of performance, cleanliness, and quiet operation. These pads are specifically designed for the rear axle, ensuring balanced braking alongside your front pads. Like all Z17 pads, their low-dust ceramic formula means less time cleaning your wheels, and the thermal scorching allows for a quick and easy break-in, providing optimal performance from the get-go.
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Key Features:
- Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean.
- The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in.
- Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking.
- Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE performance.
- Include premium hardware kit for easy installation.
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific.
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Pros:
- Keeps rear wheels remarkably clean by reducing dust.
- Provides quiet and smooth braking action.
- Fast break-in helps you enjoy optimal performance sooner.
- Vehicle-specific fit ensures perfect compatibility and easy install.
- Includes premium hardware, simplifying installation.
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Cons:
- Not intended for track or heavy-duty applications.
- Some users might prefer a more aggressive initial bite.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the straightforward installation process and the noticeable reduction in brake noise and dust. The “vehicle specific” fit ensures peace of mind, and many consider these pads an excellent upgrade over standard OEM rear pads.
5. Power Stop 17-996, Z17 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads with Hardware
Rounding out our list of Power Stop Z17 brake pads is the 17-996 rear ceramic option, another solid choice for those seeking a premium daily driving brake experience. These pads embody everything the Z17 line stands for: low dust, quiet operation, and reliable stopping power. With the included hardware and thermal scorching, you get a complete package that’s ready to install and perform with minimal fuss, making your routine maintenance a breeze.
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Key Features:
- Low dust formula ceramic brake pads designed to keep those wheels clean.
- The Z17 Ceramic brake pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a fast break-in.
- Chamfered and slotted like OE pad to ensure noise-free braking.
- Designed for shorter break-in, better than OE performance.
- Include premium hardware kit for easy installation.
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific.
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Pros:
- Excellent at minimizing brake dust for cleaner wheels.
- Delivers consistently quiet and smooth braking.
- Fast and efficient break-in process.
- Complete with high-quality installation hardware.
- Reliable performance for everyday driving conditions.
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Cons:
- Not engineered for extreme braking conditions.
- May not be compatible with all vehicle makes/models (check fitment carefully).
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User Impressions: Reviews frequently praise the straightforward installation and the immediate improvement in braking quietness. Drivers are consistently impressed by how little dust these pads produce, keeping their rims looking sharp longer. A great all-around choice for a rear brake upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Stop Z17 Brake Pads
Got more questions? We’ve got answers!
Q1: What makes Power Stop Z17 brake pads “Clean Ride”?
A: The “Clean Ride” designation refers to the Z17’s ceramic formula, which is designed to produce significantly less brake dust compared to traditional semi-metallic pads. This means your wheels stay cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent washing.
Q2: Are Power Stop Z17 pads suitable for my vehicle if I tow or drive aggressively?
A: Power Stop Z17 brake pads are primarily designed for daily driving and light-duty applications. While they offer excellent performance for typical road use, they are not recommended for heavy towing, track racing, or extremely aggressive driving. For those scenarios, Power Stop offers more aggressive compounds like the Z23 Evolution Sport or Z26 Street Warrior.
Q3: How do Power Stop Z17 pads compare to my vehicle’s original (OEM) brake pads?
A: Power Stop Z17 pads are generally considered a significant upgrade over most OEM pads. They typically offer better resistance to fade, produce less dust, operate more quietly, and often come with premium hardware for easier installation, all while providing comparable or improved stopping power for daily driving.
Q4: Do Power Stop Z17 brake pads require a special break-in procedure?
A: Yes, like most new brake pads, Z17 pads benefit from a proper break-in (also known as “bedding-in”). Power Stop recommends several moderate stops from around 40 mph down to 10 mph, followed by a few harder stops, allowing the pads to cool between cycles. This process helps transfer a thin layer of pad material to the rotor, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Q5: How long do Power Stop Z17 brake pads typically last?
A: The lifespan of Power Stop Z17 pads depends heavily on driving habits, vehicle type, and environmental conditions. However, being ceramic, they generally offer a good lifespan comparable to or better than OEM pads, often ranging from 30,000 to 70,000 miles for most daily drivers.
Q6: Will Power Stop Z17 pads make my brakes squeal or make noise?
A: One of the key design goals of Power Stop Z17 pads is noise reduction. With features like chamfered and slotted designs, and in some cases, multi-layer rubber shims, these pads are engineered for quiet operation. While no brake system is guaranteed to be 100% silent, Z17 pads are highly effective at minimizing brake noise compared to many alternatives.
Q7: Do Power Stop Z17 brake pads come with installation hardware?
A: As you can see from our Power Stop Z17 brake pads review, most Z17 pad sets, especially the ones featured here, do come with premium stainless steel installation hardware kits and sometimes even brake grease. This makes the installation process much smoother and ensures you have all the necessary components for a proper brake job. Always double-check the product description to confirm.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right brake pads can make a world of difference in your daily drive, offering not just safety but also comfort and cleanliness. After exploring these top 5 Power Stop Z17 brake pads, it’s clear why they’re such a popular choice for everyday vehicles. They offer a fantastic balance of low dust, quiet operation, and reliable stopping power – a true upgrade from most stock pads.
Remember to always double-check the fitment for your specific vehicle before purchasing. Whether you’re replacing front or rear pads, a Power Stop Z17 brake pads review often highlights their ease of installation and significant improvement in driving experience. Drive safe, and enjoy your cleaner wheels and quieter stops!
